Provisions of Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 come into force 13 April

– The coming into force of the ‘revenge porn’ offence (sections 33-35 and Schedule 8). The offence has been highly publicised by the Ministry of Justice from the time the Act received Royal Assent, but the offence will only apply to disclosures made on or after April 13 2015.

– Amendment of the Malicious Communications Act 1998 to make the offence of ending letters etc with intent to cause distress or anxiety triable either way and increase the maximum penalty to 2 years imprisonment and/or a fine (section 32).

– Changes to reporting restrictions for under-18s involved in court proceedings (sections 78-80 and Schedule 15. On which see separate news post.)

– Offences relating to jury research and disclosure of jury deliberations (section 71-74)

The Ministry of Justice has put out a Circular explaining all the provisions of the Act which will be coming into force on April 13.